Posts for category: Dental Procedures

Several different types of dentures exist for replacing missing teeth and restoring the natural shape of the face. Whether you need to replace a full row of teeth or still have some natural teeth remaining, there is a type of denture that is right for you! Dr. Kevin Gill in Pasadena, TX, can help determine which types of dentures might be suitable for your needs—read on to learn more!

Types of Dentures

There are several different types of dentures to replace missing teeth. Partial dentures fill in the gaps where teeth are missing when there are still some natural teeth, while full or complete dentures replace a full row of teeth when no natural teeth remain. Two types of partial dentures include transitional and removable. Types of full dentures include immediate, conventional, and implant-supported overdentures. During a consultation, your Pasadena dentist can recommend the appropriate type of denture for your needs.

More about Partial Dentures

Both types of partial dentures, transitional and removable, are used when there are still some natural teeth left. Partial dentures simply fill in the gaps where teeth are missing and can be used along the top or bottom arch of teeth, or both if needed. Transitional partial dentures are a temporary option often worn while waiting for the gums to heal from tooth extraction or a similar procedure. Removable partial dentures are a more comfortable lighter-weight option meant to be worn long term.

More about Full Dentures

The different types of full dentures are worn when a full row or arch of teeth needs to be replaced. Immediate full dentures are a temporary option worn while the gums heal from tooth extraction or another procedure. Once the mouth heals, immediate full dentures are usually replaced with conventional full dentures, which are custom made for a perfect fit and are meant to be worn permanently. Implant-supported overdentures are also meant to be worn permanently and are securely anchored in place by several dental implants in the jawbone.

If you are an adult who is missing one or more teeth then the time to get your smile back is now, and dental implants can help. Most patients are looking for an artificial tooth that comes as close as possible to having a natural smile again, and our Pasadena, TX, dentist Dr. Kevin Gill understands the importance of having a restoration you can trust for years to come. This is why a dental implant, a metal post that functions just like real tooth roots, may just be the tooth loss solution you’ve been waiting for.

So it goes without saying that once you have your restoration you’ll want to keep it as long as possible. While most tooth replacement treatments will need to be readjusted or replaced every few years, a dental implant itself should never need to be. This small titanium post is extremely durable and, with the proper oral hygiene in place, your new tooth could just end up lasting the rest of your life.

The Next Best Thing

Sure, your tooth couldn’t be saved but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a restoration that feels and looks natural. Nothing comes closer to a real tooth than dental implants because they do not just look like a tooth but also function just like one. The key to a dental implant’s success lies in the fact that our Pasadena, TX, dentist places the implant into the jawbone where it will take over for your missing tooth’s roots. No other tooth replacement can do this.

Prevent Bone Loss

While you might not know it, tooth loss isn’t the only issue you are currently facing. Bone loss is a common complication of tooth loss because your jawbone requires all of your tooth roots to continue to produce new bone cells and remain strong. Once a tooth falls out or is extracted, the jawbone will deteriorate. You can imagine just how serious this can be for not just your appearance but also your oral health. Luckily, implants are the only artificial tooth replacement that actually provides the jawbone with the stimulation it needs so that it doesn’t deteriorate. s

Prevent Shifting Teeth

Over time, teeth will begin to shift into those open gaps in your smile. This can lead to crookedness, crowding, uneven gaps between teeth and other alignment problems. By placing a dental implant or artificial tooth into these gaps in your smile we can prevent teeth from shifting or moving around and causing even more issues.

If you’ve been considering whether you should get dental implants in Pasadena, TX, it might be time to take the next step and schedule a consultation. We would be happy to sit down with you and determine if you are an ideal candidate for this tooth replacement.

In this modern world, is tooth loss a problem? Unfortunately, it is. Are you one of the 36 million Americans who have lost an entire arch of teeth? Or, are you one of 120 million Americans (according to the American College of Prosthodontists) who are missing a single tooth? Either way, you need quality dentures, and Dr. Kevin Gill, your dentist in Pasadena, TX, can help. Learn here about denture types and which one may be right for you.

Creating a care plan

Before recommending a denture type in his Pasadena, TX, office, Dr. Gill will examine your mouth (including your gums and any remaining teeth) and take digital X-rays and oral impressions. This information helps him devise a treatment plan to replace your missing teeth with prosthetics that will look, feel and perform as naturally as possible.

Today's dentures are made from realistic gum- and tooth-colored acrylic, and when necessary, metal framework. Both dentist and dental lab technician consider a person's facial features, skin color, bite height and jaw function when they design and fabricate the finished dentures.

Proper fit is critical to oral function and to the maintenance of healthy bone and soft oral tissues. So, your denture process will involve "try-ons" and adjustments to ensure your prosthetic is just right.

Types of dentures

There are several, and together, you and Dr. Gill will decide which kind would suit you best. Types include:

Partial dentures, comprised of one or more artificial, or pontic, teeth affixed to a light metal frame

Full conventional dentures which replace a whole arch of teeth (top or bottom) and are held in the mouth by suction

Immediate dentures which are placed right after tooth extraction

Implant-supported dentures which are anchored to the jaw bone with multiple titanium implant devices

Each kind of denture has its own unique characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. For instance, partial dentures resemble a jigsaw puzzle piece, filling in smile gaps as needed. Immediate dentures allow a patient to leave the dental office with a complete smile after tooth extraction. However, these dentures must be refitted within a month to six weeks. Conventional dentures fit properly right away because the dentist inserts them after gums and bone are healed. Finally, implant dentures are exceptionally stable, and they exercise the jaw bone every time the patient bites and chews.

Your new smile

Look forward to improved personal appearance and a smile that works well, too, with dentures from Dr. Kevin Gill. If you anticipate extractions or are dissatisfied with your current denture, please contact Dr. Gill's office for a personal consultation. Call (713) 947-0293.

Your smile plays an important role in your self-esteem. If your teeth are damaged or dull, it's hard to feel confident in social or business settings. Luckily, it's possible to transform your smile with a variety of cosmetic dentistry treatments. Pasadena, TX, dentist Dr. Kevin Gill can provide several treatments that can make a big difference in your appearance.

Cosmetic contouring

Cosmetic contouring is a quick, simple treatment that involves removing small amounts of tooth enamel. It's a good choice if you have a pointed tooth, don't like the way the edges of teeth overlap, or if a tooth is slightly longer than nearby teeth.

Invisalign

Invisalign straightens teeth and corrects biting problems and spacing issues without metal wires and brackets. The innovative orthodontic system relies on a series of clear, removable trays to realign teeth. Each set is worn for about two weeks and is removed when you eat, drink anything other than water or brush your teeth. Invisalign is just as effective as metal and ceramic braces, but doesn't detract from your appearance. Teenagers can expect to wear Invisalign aligner trays for about the same time they would wear traditional braces, but adults may only need to use the trays for a year.

Cosmetic Fillings

Silver fillings look very out of place in your smile. Despite their visibility, there was no other filling option until cosmetic fillings were invented. Cosmetic fillings are made with composite resin, a tooth-colored material made of powdered plastic and glass. The fillings are just as effective as silver amalgam and actually keep your smile stronger by bonding to the structure of your teeth.

Dental implants

Why only replace part of your lost tooth when dental implants can replace your entire tooth? Titanium dental implants fill the space in your jaw vacated by your roots and gradually bond to the jawbone. At the end of the bonding process, dental crowns are attached to the top of the implants, which serve as synthetic roots. Dental implants feel more like real teeth than any other restoration option and allow you chew without any loss of biting power. In addition to single implants, implant-supported bridges and dentures are also available.

Find out everything you could ever need to know about this simple cosmetic procedure.

Most people have some little imperfections in their smile that drive them crazy. Even if other people don’t notice, if you notice it then it’s an issue. Of course, the goal of our Pasadena, TX, cosmetic dentist, Dr. Kevin Gill, is to make sure that you always have a smile that you are proud of. Find out more about tooth contouring and reshaping and how it could help you.

Q. What is tooth contouring/reshaping?

A. This simple, inexpensive and non-invasive cosmetic procedure involves improving the overall look and shape of a tooth by shaving off small amounts of enamel. If you have a tooth that is excessively pointy, has a small chip or crack, or is jagged then this technique could be right for you.

Q. What goes into this procedure?

A. This treatment is rather simple. We will use a polishing tool that will buff away the enamel (the outer layer) of your tooth. By doing so, our Pasadena dentist is able to create a more uniformed and symmetrical smile overall while also improving the shape and appearance of one or more teeth.

Q. Is it painful?

A. Absolutely not. Not only is this one of the easiest options for improving your smile’s appearance but also it can be done painlessly without the need for anesthesia.

Q. Is tooth contouring right for me?

A. If you have small changes you want to make to your smile that only requires us to remove some enamel from your tooth then this procedure may be right for you. It’s important to note that this treatment option can only make minor adjustments to your appearance and won’t be able to make more serious alterations.

Of course, sometimes a little tweak is all you need to see major smile results. We would be happy to sit down with you and determine if this treatment is right for you.

If you want to find out if you are the ideal candidate for tooth contouring and reshaping then call our Pasadena, TX, dental office and schedule a no-risk consultation with us. Let us help you achieve a smile that will make you feel confident again.